Saturday, July 22, 2017

This popular trek offers you an experience walking in Annapurna classic route. You can explore the culture of multi-ethnic groups, local villages with typical houses, locally cultivated terrain farms, water falls, moraine glaciers, ice lakes, wide varieties of flora and fauna etc.

I did not know that indoor air quality is five times more polluted than the air outside.

It was surprising to find out that we may be experiencing more threats to our health within the comforts of our own homes especially if there are dangerous substances or pollutants present within the air that we breathe. Pollutants that may cause allergies and diseases to our skin, lungs, and other parts of our body both internally and externally.

Friday, July 21, 2017

I always have the tendency to stand out, no matter how awkward or inappropriate it would be, because I am bored to conform with the norm.

I've worked for top companies as their employee, but I chose to be my own boss because I am restless, and is not happy with routines, especially bureaucracy. I prefer to work as I please, and be as imaginative and resourceful as possible.

This is why I blog. Bloggers are not supposed to be obligated to follow what we brand as "standards." We are also not expected to be tied up to what we call as "ethics." We should be allowed to express our true feelings.

All the immoralities and corruption in this world are actually caused by moderated, controlled or restrained emotions. When we believe that hiding our true feelings is necessary just to be civilized or diplomatic with others, we become deceivers

My blog, my rules. I could even break my own rules if I feel it is necessary. Thus, no permanent rules at all.

Creativity should not have any limits or boundaries. There is no such thing as a box.

I want to leave a legacy, to be remembered as unique and real. Not as someone who was friends with everyone but lived a life kissing the asses of others, while letting his own ass survive this lifetime without a hole.

Wazzup Pilipinas!The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship (ONE), has announced that its inaugural event in Surabaya, Indonesia, ONE: CONQUEST OF KINGS initially set for 29 July, is currently being rescheduled due to logistical issues and has been postponed as of further notice.

ONE Championship has always put on incredible live events in Indonesia, and four additional events are being planned in the country for 2018. Fans can expect to see Indonesian martial arts superstars in featured bouts such as “The Terminator” Sunoto, Stefer Rahardian, and Anthony “The Archangel” Engelen, to name a few.

ONE Championship is set for another blockbuster evening of world-class entertainment with its second historic event in Macao, China. On 5 August, ONE: KINGS & CONQUERORS will once again light up the Cotai Arena of The Venetian Macao with a showcase of authentic martial arts action. In the main event, ONE Bantamweight World Champion Bibiano Fernandes of Brazil will take on top contender Andrew Leone of the United States.

37-year-old Bibiano “The Flash” Fernandes of Brazil is the reigning ONE Bantamweight World Champion, and widely considered one of the best bantamweights in the world. He made his promotional debut back in 2012 and captured the title in 2013, and has since then remained unbeaten inside the ONE Championship cage, showcasing tremendous striking and grappling ability. A winner of his last 12 bouts, including three submissions and two knockouts, Fernandes is set to defend his title against Andrew Leone.

Andrew Leone of Cortland, New York, is a 27-year-old martial artist who trains alongside some of the most talented combat sports athletes in Asia at the renowned Bali MMA gym in Bali, Indonesia. With a standout record of eight wins and only two losses, Leone is coming off three solid victories over top-caliber opponents, earning him a shot at the ONE Bantamweight World Championship. In his next bout, Leone will challenge Bibiano Fernandes for the world title.

We lost another great singer. Chester Bennington of Linkin Park has unfortunately committed suicide. Whatever the reason was here, the world lost an awesome songwriter and a very powerful voice.

I seriously can't believe the news. I mean like Linkin Park is everybody's childhood jam! They were basically the soundtrack of my youth. I'm an emotional wreck right now. Words cannot begin to describe... utter chills.What a hole this will leave in the music world! He made some incredible music and inspired so many with that voice, myself included. I hope he finds peace and the light.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, fans, band mates, friends, and everyone else who will miss him. A generation is mourning. Thank you for what you did for us while you were here.

This man has helped so many people throughout their dark times, this world has been blessed to have him in it. Linkin Park has been most of the 90s kids first favorite rock band. Lots of memories in every song that Chester and his band made. His voice was the haunting scream that captured the inexplicable, numbing rage of a generation. I really can't accept his suicide. Such a heartbreaking news.

"Forfeit the game

Before somebody else

Takes you out of the frame

And puts your name to shame"

It's like he has always been leaving clues through the songs, but no one really knew. We were so busy getting lost in your words that we forgot to understand their meaning. He gave a voice to the emotions of my younger years and nostalgia to smile back on. Truly saddening, my teenage angst will live on through his voice. Thank you. Rest in peace, my legend.

Chester ... I'm so sorry we couldn't help you the same way you helped us. I wouldn't have survived school without your songs. When I'm tired, miserable, or in doubt, I sing songs. One of those is Leave Out All the Rest. Comforts me every time. I played my Reanimation CD until the glass cracked. A man that helped shape a generation of music. Heartbreaking. I wanna wake up tomorrow and see that Chester is still alive and that it was all a nightmare.

"Sometimes solutions are so simple, sometimes goodbye's the only way. " Shadow Of The Day - Linkin Park

He's not a coward for killing himself. He's actually brave for surviving as long as he did. Sometimes there are no answers and maybe that's where faith really lives. You'll be missed, Chester.

If someone you know says, "I'm depressed." DO NOT ignore them. Talk to them. Be there for them. Listen to silence. Listen carefully to those close to you. Some people only have the strength to let out a very small cry for help.Suicide is no joke. Don't fucking bully people because it's cool, funny, or entertaining. We're all humans prone to imperfection.

Even a life full of people and riches can be a lonely one. Call someone who might need to hear a friendly voice today. It's funny how one can save millions, but millions can not save the one.

There are lots of myths about mental health. Stop the stigma. Not all men are strong. Some are breaking on the inside. Mental illness is non-discriminatory. Spread them, we all can make a difference, each and every one of us.

Mental illness is as real as a broken leg. Understand those in your life who suffer. Don't judge them, love them

For all the depressed and troubled, the world is a better place for having you in it. Stay with us, it's okay to not be okay.

Twitter’s commitment to move faster to make the platform safer started in January. First, the company conducted research to understand the issues at a deeper level, then we made a range of product updates. Then they convened the Trust and Safety Council to gather feedback and help guide them as we they forward.

While there is still much work to be done, people are experiencing significantly less abuse on Twitter today than they were six months ago. What follows is some new data on the progress that they’ve made, what they’ve learned, and their plans to continue improving.

Increasing Action on Abusive AccountsTwitter is now taking action on 10x the number of abusive accounts every day compared to the same time last year. The platform also now limits account functionality or place suspensions on thousands more abusive accounts each day. There are repeat offenders who create new accounts after being suspended for violations. The new systems, in the last four months alone, have removed twice the number of these types of accounts. Beyond the technology, Twitter teams are continuing to review content daily and improving how we enforce our policies.

Driving Change in Behavior

Communication about problematic Tweets, especially to the people who send them, is key. Accounts that demonstrate abusive behavior are now limited for a time, and told why. Accounts that are put into this period of limited functionality generate 25% fewer abuse reports, and approximately 65% of these accounts are in this state just once.

Providing Personalized Controls

Twitter has introduced new ways to customize people’s experience, including notification filters and muting keywords. The Quality Filter feature has led to fewer unwanted interactions: blocks after @mentions from people that they don’t follow is down 40%. These numbers will vary, but the approach is having a positive impact. Twitter has consistent harassment definitions and policies that apply to everyone. However, people define abuse differently, so using these new tools, every person has control of what they see and experience on Twitter.

What Happens Next

More improvement, transparency, and speed. Online safety is an issue best solved in partnership with others, so Twitter will continue to collaborate with the Trust & Safety Council, industry experts, and academics to solicit ongoing feedback. We are committed to making Twitter a safe place for free expression.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will again utilize an automated election system for the next National and Local Elections (NLE) in 2019. Under the Republic Act No. 9369, the COMELEC Advisory Council (CAC) shall recommend to the COMELEC “the most appropriate, secure, applicable and cost-effective technology to be applied in the Automated Election System (AES).”

With this, the CAC will conduct the one-day Automated Election System (AES) Technology Fair on July 26, 2017, 8:30 AM, at the Novotel Hotel, Araneta Center to gather various technology providers to present and demonstrate the available local and international AES technologies.

Rumors has it that the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) newspaper will be re-branded as "Ang Inquirer".

Ramon Ang confirms he has accepted the offer of the Prieto's to acquire Inquirer or PDI. "I have accepted the offer of the Prieto family to invest in the Inquirer Group" say Ramon Ang.

The Inquirer Group said the Prieto family "is confident that Mr. Ang will uphold the Inquirer Group's commitment to pursuing the highest standards of journalism."

The Prieto's have been running the PDI for 25 years, what motivated them to sell their brand?

The PDI sellout to Ramon Ang ensures full control of Big Business over local traditional mass media. Big Business is everywhere.

Changes will most probably now happen with PDI, my favorite independent-minded and crusading newspaper, now that Ramon Ang will take overis taking over.

WINNING STATEMENT: "Never did we think we’d be sold off to a DUTERTE campaign donor at that."

Since there was a confirmation that all existing employees of PDI would still be retained, there is no fear of losing jobs.

Now that San Miguel Corporation's Ramon S. Ang has acquired the PDI, is this an impending information dissemination rivalry among Manny Pangilinan's Philippine Star and Business World. With businessmen in control of leading newspapers, there would surely be an influential force that would change the mindset of its readers.

But we all know that newspaper, and even magazine, readership has gone down so abruptly that there have been plenty of closures already. It seems it would be on the digital scene where "influence" would be strongly eminent.

I've been reading a lot from my social media timelines related to print media closing down and so I've tried my best to summarize and put everything substantial into the paragraphs below:

"A major publishing house is shutting down ALL its regular print magazines. Brands are shifting ad budget to digital. Circulation also down. So the two main revenue streams are drying up."

We were supposed to embrace digital spaces YEARS ago. Digital is a great new frontier. It is definitely effective. Nothing beats big data. Measurable, sortable, and shapeable. No bloated, bullshit "pass-on readership" numbers as well. The days of lying through the teeth about print runs and pass on readership are now over. Nothing beats an honest business.

Same with TV and radio. They bloat the numbers, and round 'em up to the next highest number. Figures that are untrackable and cannot be proven. Never as accurate and precise as digital. Dinosaurs don't like to be told they're going to be extinct.

Local print media ending their print runs was bound to happen. Most brands are pulling out support for print and putting everything in digital. People now believe digital is cool because it is easier to track, to trace, make data for and formulate conversions over amount of money spent..

But some are saying that "Print isn't dead, but needs to adapt. Digital is cool, but expectations need to be tempered." Would you agree to that statement?

"There needs to be more digital spaces that value and promote long form stories, meatier stuff that doesn't fit in 600 words or less." Since most of our attention span when it comes to online are short, articles are done as short as possible. The creativity is then reduced, or people are becoming more precise and straight to the point?

Well, there are still the fake news and those click-bait articles that seem to be more cunning in attracting readership. In this entertainment-centric world, if we stick with direct but boring headlines, people would tend to skip it if their curiosities are not actively triggered.

Even though Wazzup Pilipinas belongs to the digital or online world, we still value the prestige of traditional media, but is always happy to embrace an all digital world soon. We can't stop the inevitable.

When you say Cebu festival, people would always think of Sinulog. At every early first quarter of the year, people would usually flock to Cebu for the colorful Sinulog festival.

I'm actually surprised there's another Cebu festival called Kadaugan held in Mactan Island, where we often set foot first whenever we go to Cebu since the airport is there. Kadaugan festival is an annual week-longcelebration held in the month of April when the defeat of Spanish Conquistador FernandoMagellan by Mactan Chieftain Lapu-Lapu is re-enacted. Kadaugan means "victory" commemorating the victory of Mactan people (Oponganons) during the famous “Battle of Mactan” in the 16th century.

A special advance screening of this part of a series of monthly TV5 special movie made for television was held on July 20, 2017 at the Director's Club cinema of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong. So far this would be the sixth movie from out of the twelve all lined up on TV5. The particular episode will air on Sunday, July 30 at 10:30 PM.

SM Supermalls is one of the major partners and supporters of this Brillante Mendoza special feature. They have been supporting the director with his other projects aside from this television series. The Director's Club has been doing a series of special screenings featuring the made for television movies of Brillante Mendoza.

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Calling all science clubbers! Are you ready for another all-out experience? Fasten your seatbelts as the National Youth Science, Technology, and Environment Summer Camp (NYSTESC) 2017 takes off this July 24-27, 2017, at Batis Aramin Resort and Hotel, Tayabas Road, Lucban, Quezon!

Once again, the Philippine Society of Youth Science Clubs (PSYSC) is bringing you the most sought-after science camp for high school students and teachers in the country. With this year’s theme, "Flight CMP17: Bound for the Island of the Lost Winds", we are ready to bring you to a camp that will surely go beyond the limits of your expectations.

Get to explore the science of aerodynamics as we tackle wind energy conversion, transportation, animal aviation, and weather forecasting. Through our esteemed guest lecturers, various workshops and competitions, seminar and congress, this camp shall fill up our hearts and minds with truly good memories. But, wait! The fun doesn’t stop there! Be fascinated by the beauty of Quezon as we also take you to some of its wonders!

This event will surely be one of your 2017 highlights! So, what are you waiting for? Pack up and join us aboard this flight! Be part of the science clubbing movement as we keep its fire burning!

Affiliate with PSYSC today as they offer a totally new science clubbing experience!

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Martin B. Delgra III today clarified that Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) are required to pay fair and correct taxes to the government, and that insinuations that DOTr Secretary Art Tugade wants a “share” from their earnings is utterly malicious.

In a press conference in Malacanang on Tuesday, Secretary Tugade was asked to comment on the directive of the LTFRB requiring TNCs to deactivate “colorum” driver-partners from their platform. The Transportation chief said anyone who wants to get into the business of public transportation must submit themselves to regulation.

Tugade said regulation would not only level the playing field and guarantee accountability, but also allow the government to collect the correct taxes from TNCs.

Based on the numbers given by Uber and Grab, there are 56,000 activated Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) drivers, including the 3,000 with approved franchises. Out of these numbers, the two TNCs admitted there are TNVs which are accredited to both uber and grab. This means some 40,000 are plying the streets without being required to file tax returns to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

“The problem is how can the government be assured that it is getting its fair share from these TNCs when majority of their drivers do not have franchises? Under existing laws, the TNCs, owner of vehicles, and drivers who are earning from this business all have tax accountabilities,” Delgra said.

On October 29, 2015, the BIR issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 70-2015 or the guidelines for the taxability of TNCs and their partners.

The most unlikely couples find their hands full in taking in more than they can handle in the new reality series Kicking & Screaming, which premieres this August on AXN.

Ten survival experts are paired with hapless amateurs who have no experience in living outdoors as they fight their way through a series of challenges in a remote jungle of a South Pacific island where they must overcome dangerous animals, raging rivers, hunger, and extreme weather.

While the experts are used to surviving in the wilderness, their privileged partners are not, resulting in lots of arguing, bickering, and swearing.

With a cash prize of $500,000 at stake, the mismatched teammates realize that in order to win, they must work together to thrive in the wilderness and to survive the toughest challenge of their lives.

Fortinet, a global leader in high-performance cyber security solutions, urged IT leaders to take steps to protect data in their organizations in a bid to strengthen data privacy, as well as cyber security in the country. “Data protection is an integral component of cyber security. It is not just about getting the right technology – it is also about governments creating the right legislative environment, and organizations managing the processes and restrictions for different users to access their data,” said Alvin Rodrigues, chief security strategist for Fortinet Asia-Pacific during the 2017 Information Security Officers Group (ISOG) Summit held at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura, Taguig City, recently.

Maintaining data privacy is a cybersecurity fundamental, and goes a long way in minimizing business losses when a cyberattack happens.

“Robust data protection also demonstrates your firm's commitment to customers,” stressed Rodrigues. “The personal information that customers put in your care is valuable to them. If you take good care of it, they will appreciate the gesture and continue to do business with you.”

Wazzup Pilipinas!Ley La Salle, De La Salle University’s professional organization for Legal Management students and future lawyers, will be holding its fourth Business Law Conference this July 21, 2017 at the 5th floor of Henry Sy, Sr., Hall, De La Salle University-Manila from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Business Law Conference is an annual event held by the organization wherein speakers are invited to discuss about certain topics that is connected with the event’s theme. In last year’s event, the theme chosen was “Millennials Towards Building a Nation”. Last year’s speakers gave awareness to the youth on the possible implementation of Federalism and its possible effects on the country’s social and commercial landscape. This year’s event will revolve around the theme “#AFFECTEDAKO: In the Midst of Global Transformation”. The event includes renowned speakers like Mr. Rabboni Francis B. Arjonillo, President of First Metro Investment Corporation, Mr. Robert Dispo, Vice Chairman and President of Citrek Holdings Philippines Corp, and Atty. Francis Tom F. Temproso, a legal adviser at the Commission of Human Rights.

The first session of the event, which will be from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, will focus more on business related topics such as the effects of the technological development boost and the radical change in international trade policies. The second session, which will run from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, will focus more on pertinent social and legal issues occurring in the current administration.

Ley La Salle invites everyone to partake in this incredible learning opportunity to be able to increase awareness in a time where atrocities and controversies are prevalent in the society.

Children are naturally curious but they have brief attention spans. To effectively nurture kids’ mental development while keeping their focus intact, educators have long employed the technique called edutainment, a combination of “education” and “entertainment,” which literally means mixing learning with fun.

Bonifacio Global City (BGC), home to top educational institutions like the University of the Philippines and the International School Manila, houses establishments that not only engage in edutainment but take it to the next level, that is, through hands-on experience.

The Mind Museum, KidZania, and Active Fun in BGC provide kids with tools that help them learn how the world works and discover their strengths early on. While it looks like a simple opportunity for play, these establishments cater alternative learning experiences that are fun, entertaining, and age-appropriate.

Apart from the usual videos and pictures, edutainment facilities in BGC have interactive displays and activities that let children experiment and explore things on their own. These establishments provide a complete sensory experience, stimulating all five senses.

The Mind Museum, for instance, inspires exploration, creativity, and understanding for the wonders of everything around and inside us. For kids and kids-at-heart, there’s so much to do like play music at the piano stairs, marvel at a life-sized T. rex fossil and a whaleshark, see themselves in an astronaut suit floating in space, or watch live experiments by resident scientists. Every corner is truly an adventure waiting to be explored.

Petron Blaze 100 Euro 6 is acknowledged as the best gasoline in the country, with outstanding qualities unmatched in the industry. Petron Blaze has always been a trailblazer. When it launched in August 2000, it was the only premium unleaded gasoline with the Research Octane Number (RON) of 98, the highest in the country. In 2010, Petron Blaze was re-launched to become the first and only gasoline with an octane rating of 100. Four years later, it became the first gasoline in the country to be certified Euro 4. Just this year, Petron Blaze was certified by leading global laboratories as passing the Euro 6 standard – the most advanced standard in the world. Petron Blaze 100 Euro 6 is the first and only Euro 6 fuel in the country, certifiably the best gasoline in the Philippines.

Certified by Global Experts

Locally produced and formulated at Petron’s Bataan refinery—the most advanced in the Asean region—Petron Blaze 100 Euro 6 has been rigorously tested and certified by leading global laboratories and engine rating experts. It was subjected to testing by SGS, a global leader in inspection, verification, testing and certification at their laboratories in the United Kingdom, Singapore, and the Philippines. Further tests were also conducted by ISP-The Testing Institute (Germany), one of the world’s top testing laboratories for automotive fuels and lubricants, as well as the Millbrook Proving Ground (UK), one of Europe’s largest vehicle testing centers.

Meets the Most Stringent Global Standards

In the Philippines, the mandated Euro 4 fuels have a sulfur content of up to 50-ppm (parts per million). Globally, the most stringent Euro 6 standard allows sulfur content of up to only 10-ppm. The sulfur content of Petron Blaze 100 Euro 6 is less than 3-ppm, far exceeding these standards.

To qualify for Euro 6, currently the most stringent global emission standard, a fuel should have significantly reduced particle numbers, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons in vehicle emissions. The Particle Number (PN) is the additional criterion that separates Euro 5 and Euro 6 fuel standards. Petron Blaze 100 Euro 6 surpassed the PN tests, being 3x cleaner than the limit.

Why Octane is Important

Research Octane Number (RON) determines a fuel’s resistance to detonating. This resistance is more commonly referred to as “anti-knock” quality; the higher the RON, the higher its resistance. You want your engine to burn your gasoline smoothly. If you’re feeding your car a lower RON than it requires, you risk engine knocking and engine failure in the long run. Which RON is right for you? It’s best to check your car’s manual for the recommended minimum RON. Keep in mind that the older the car, the higher the risk of engine knocking.

As confirmed in a performance marathon run across the entire length of Luzon, Petron Blaze 100 Euro 6 delivers improved fuel efficiency, powerful engine performance and acceleration, guaranteed cleaner engines on just one full tank, improved combustion with its unique fuel and additive formulation, significantly less harmful emissions, and reduced maintenance costs due to longer catalyst life for the emission system.

Driving a Honda City 1.5 E CVT, hypermilers Raymund Dimapilis and Enrico Mabunay were able to travel nearly 34 kilometers for every liter.

No other fuel in the country has the pure, 100-octane formulation of Petron Blaze 100 Euro 6, certifiably the best fuel in the country.

Congratulations to Ilene Astrid de Vera of Cebu for being voted as the Darling of the Press at the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2017 Candidates Media Presentation. She is followed by Jannie Loudette Alipo-on of Navotas City as 1st Runner-Up, and Colleen Chan of Iloilo as 2nd Runner-Up.

The Mutya ng Pilipinas 2017 Media Presentation was held at the Hotel 101, their official residence in Pasay City. There were 30 lovely candidates presented to the members of the media.

Miss Hemilyn Escudero-Tamayo is also officially announced as the new president of Mutya ng Pilipinas Inc., while Mr. Roberto de Venecia and Miss Jacqueline Tan-Sainz, the previous presidents of the pageant organization, and reigning Mutya ng Pilipinas Ganiel Krishnan,joined her upfront. Former Mutya winner Kristine Caballero Aplal hosted the media launch.

Winners will represent the country in Miss Asia Pacific International, Miss Tourism International, Miss Tourism Queen of the Year International and Miss Tourism Metropolitan International pageants.
On July 21 to 23, the candidates will head to Hannah's Beach Resort and Convention Center in Pagudpod, Ilocos Norte for the Swimsuit competition.

While the Designer's Competition and Regional Costume will be held on July 26 at The Plaza of Resorts World Manila.

The Long Gown competition will be held on July 27 to 29 at Alta D' Tagaytay.

The grand coronation will be held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila on August 4, 2017.

“Wala nang traffic sa Regalado starting November,” this was the assurance of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade with reference to the traffic buildup along Doña Carmen and Regalado Streets in Quezon City as a result of the ongoing construction of MRT7 station columns.

During the Progress Briefing and Inspection of Build Build Build (BBB) on Thursday, Secretary Tugade announced that the construction of the MRT-7 columns along the said roads shall be finished by November this year, easing traffic flow in the area.

Composed of 14 stations, the 22 km MRT7 rail transit system will connect North Avenue in Quezon city to San Jose Del Monte City in Bulacan. Among the areas where stations shall be constructed include: North Avenue, Quezon City Memorial Circle, University Avenue, Tandang Sora, Don Antonio, Batasan, Doña Carmen, Regalado, Mindanao Avenue, Quirino, Sacred Heart, Tala, and San Jose Del Monte.

Upon completion of construction targeted by 2019, MRT-7 will accommodate an estimated ridership of 420,000 passengers daily.

The DOTr shall provide technical support to the Quezon City LGU and the National Housing Authority (NHA) in the facilitation of guaranteed relocation for informal settlers that shall be affected by the construction of the North Avenue and Quezon Memorial Circle stations. Currently, there are 160 families initially identified which still has to undergo vetting procedures from the NHA.

Nevertheless, relocation sites are being prepared in Tanay, Rizal and in Bulacan for qualified candidates. Other relocation options such as the "Balik Probinsiya" program of the government is also being explored.

Now a days or maybe even years before, imported goods became the thing. We find our ears being so used to the name of many foreign brands. We find our eyes looking for the American movie poster. We find our mouth humming the foreign music. There is nothing wrong in enjoying things of other country. Actually, it helps us widen our perspective and range. But there is something wrong when our ears, eyes and mouth, our body, look for the imported and are so used to the foreign that our own becomes the foreign. And this is why we bring you TAKIPSILIM.

The De La Salle University - Economics Organization’s TAKIPSILIM is a music festival and advocacy event created through a shared passion for local art. Through it, we aim to celebrate the diversity of the Filipino spirit by highlighting our own people’s talents, craft, and products. TAKIPSILIM uplifts Filipino art, craft, and enterprise. Through it, the organizers wish to communicate to the public through stories of talented artists that have yet to be discovered and spark the sense of pride of one’s own by supporting local entrepreneurs in their pursuit of providing various forms of goods and entertainment. This event also serves as a fundraising activity for our beneficiary, the students of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) through the Economics Scholarship Program (ESP).

Bands and performers that embody the Filipino pride and will be performing in the event are Nadia Rodriguez, YoungSleepyBoi, Devices, Majam Sisters, One Click Straight, Lola Amour, Banna Harbera, and Tom’s Story. The event is brought to you by John Robert Powers, Inquirer.net, Magic 89.9, When In Manila, Pepsi, and proudly supported by Wazzup Pilipinas.

Donny Pangilinan is certainly not a fresh face in the industry. With an ongoing career as a MYX VJ, multiple TV guesting and acting stints, a rapidly growing fanbase, and established actors Maricel Laxa and Anthony Pangilinan as parents, the 19-year old is set to have a flourishing career path.

But his passion for showbiz does not end there. Last June 20, Donny officially joined the prestigious Universal Records roster and took on a venture in the music industry. After inking the deal, the Star Magic talent enthusiastically spoke to the media about his new endeavor.

“I feel like this is still a dream… I’m just very, very thankful that I’ve been granted this opportunity,” Donny narrated after being asked how he feels about being signed to one of the country’s most established recording companies. He recalls that a handful of meetings, counseling, and talks with his parents ensued before he decided to venture into music. “The public really hasn’t seen this side of me, and I think this is the best way I can portray it: through, obviously, Universal [Records],” he affirmed, adding that the trust the record label put in him is “outstanding”.

This August, the teen icon will be releasing his debut single, Did You, which he co-wrote and co-produced. Donny disclosed that his upcoming album will feature songs that are drawn both from his life encounters and the experiences of others, as he wants his tracks to be relatable. Moreover, the social media heartthrob revealed that the public can expect several singles to come out soon, but does not want to divulge too much information as he wants everything to be a “big surprise” for his fans. In his MYX interview, the new Universal Records star expressed his palpable excitement for his newfound endeavor, stating that his album is a fusion of different music genres.

Heavily involved with the creation of his first and upcoming project with Universal Records, Donny aims to astound his fans through his album and singles that are set to launch very soon. The up and coming recording artist expressed that he is beyond grateful to his parents, family, and God for the support that propelled him to start a music career. Known for his musical inclination, Donny credits his music idols such as his Tito Gary Valenciano, Shawn Mendes, and Justin Bieber for being his biggest music influences.

Award-winning actress and singer Glaiza De Castro is now the very first Ambassadress of Goodwill of the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association Inc., (PCCAI).

At a press conference held on July 19, 2017 at the Universal Studios office located at Universal Tower along Quezon Avenue in Quezon city, members of the media were presented with the contract signing between Glaiza and the officials of PCCAI led by the President Dr. James Dy together with Chairman - Dr. Benito Goyokpin, Vice Chairman - Mr. Antonio Tan, Vice Chairman - Mr. Cristina Lim, and the Board of Directors namely: Mr. Ramon Chuaying, Mr. Albert Abaya, Mr. Jameson Dy, Mr. Manuel Co, Mr. Benito Ngo and Atty. Cabero.

PCCAI is the owner and operator of the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center. Glaiza will be present in many of the associations humanitarian and charitable missions. Already there are many events lined up for her and they could be learned from the complete video coverage we did of the press conference. Videos will all be available at our YouTube video channel at http://www.YouTube.com/user/wazzuppilipinas

Glaiza says he is naturally inclined to help especially children because she has a relative with a medical problem. Her family and relatives would also benefit from her designation as Ambassadress of Goodwill since the hospital owned by PCCAI would be providing treatment and care for them too.

When asked what she would say to those bashers who would say she is not really charitable because she gets something in return, she answers practically by saying something like "In everything we do we gain something in return, and just as long you are working hard for it, all the blessings and good graces are worth for us to receive."

As part of its efforts in campaigning for a financially-literate community, the Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines (BMAP) and the 8th Philippine Business and Entrepreneurs’ Expo will hold a Financial Literacy Seminar this Friday, July 28 from 10:30am to 12:30pm.

The Seminar features BMAP’s Director for Mariners’ Financial Literacy Program Mr. Miguel Angelo C. Villa-Real as he shares to you the ropes on investing and protecting your finances, as well as the available loans in the market for business.

Everyone is encouraged to attend and participate this free seminar to gain knowledge on how financial products work, as well as provide tips for handling money. Let this Seminar help you learn more about your money.

The 8th Philippine Business and Entrepreneurs' Expo will be held at the Megatrade Hall 1 of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City this July 28 to 30, Friday to Sunday. We are open for exhibitors to showcase their products and services - get in touch with Ex-Link at (+63 2) 633-0153, 643-3887 or 535-1150; SMS (+63) 920 981 4376 or (+63) 920 924 2532; email info@exlinkevents.com or message us on Facebook @exlinkevents. Program lineup subject to change without prior notice.

Wazzup Pilipinas!The sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) is about individuals, but most of its highly-regarded world champions are forged in strong camps that bring in many great fighters.

In a very different atmosphere from boxing, MMA hardly sees any high-profile competitors building training camps around one man or woman as it often centered around a gym where several coaches work in conjunction with each other to train a stable of fighters of varying skills and weight classes.

Ever since he started his professional career in 2009, Filipino submission specialist Eric “The Natural” Kelly has been described as a lone wolf because he has never had an established MMA team and only hops from one gym to another.

“For me, I don’t have a stable gym where I train at full-time. I train more naturally. Whichever gym I find myself in, that’s where I train. Mostly, I just watch YouTube videos and apply it to my training and then I go to some gyms to test it out. I am in the constant search for more knowledge for my career,” Kelly recalled.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has appointed Mr. Karol Mark R. Yee as Executive Director IV of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) effective July 14, 2017. Yee took his oath of office before CHED Chairperson Patricia B. Licuanan on July 19, 2017.

Prior to his appointment as Executive Director, Yee served as Program Director of CHED’s K to 12 Transition Program, mobilizing efforts to support higher education institutions and personnel affected by the implementation of K to 12 from 2016 to 2021.

As the Executive Director, he will be in-charge of the Executive Office that serves as clearinghouse for all communications received from internal and external sources. He will also oversee the coordination of the agenda items and provides secretariat support to the Chairperson, in collaboration with the commission secretary in the preparation and documentation of the major meetings.

Aside from these, Yee is expected to closely monitor all central and regional offices of CHED, making sure that all units are pursuing a common road map, consistent with the Commission’s reform agenda and strategic plan 2017-2022.

Yee previously served as Legislative Officer of former Senate President and now Special Envoy to the European Union, Edgardo J. Angara, working on Republic Act 10533 or The Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, and Republic Act 10410 or the Early Years Act, among others. He also headed the Conference Secretariat of the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC), and the establishment of the Angara Centre for Law and Economics. He finished his Master in Education, International Education Policy at the Harvard University Graduate School of Education, as a Fulbright Scholar.

From the four product lines: ZERO, NOTE, HOT S, and HOT, now comes NOTE 4 and NOTE 4 PRO.

The latest phone models from Infinix Mobile was recently launched on July 19, 2017 at Be-Low Club located at New World Hotel in Makati.

Founded in 2013, Infinix continues a commitment to a merging of fashion + technology to engineer cutting-edge technology and dynamic mobile devices that inspire creative and intelligent life experiences throughout the world.

Through daily interactions there intuitive products become part of a lifestyle that represents trend-setting and intelligent experiences for young people around the world.

Now, they are flaunting of bringing the future now but at a very much affordable price compared to other brands with the same specifications.

True enough, the price of Php8,999 for their Note 4 is strikingly attractive for people like me who want great phone features without breaking the bank, or putting a hole in our pockets, or leaving our wallets empty - whatever is the analogy, the offered price is simply unbeatable.

The price for the Note 4 Pro is still coming soon. But at an interview with Mr. Zaks Yu, Brand Manager of Infinix, he revealed that it will be less than my guess of Php13,000.

In the same interview with Mr. Yu, he also mentioned that the Note 4 Pro may be available sometime September.

Aside from the price, adding to the features we like is the fast-charging feature of the mobile phone, it boasts of being able to recharge up to 45% in only 30 minutes, plus the "big battery life" has always been a necessity even if I have powerbanks with me.

"They are pre-packed with Xcharge 4.0, which provides the quickest charge with low voltage and high efficiency, equipped with a big battery life of 4300MAH – 4500MAH. These features allow the Note 4 to charge fast within five minutes to talk for 250 minutes."

Ian Braza, Vice President of Star Click, enumerated the phone features and specifications, and along with Mr. Yu, revealed the price of the Note 4. The Note 4 will be available exclusively on Lazada by July 21.

We have a lengthy video interview of Mr. Yu below explaining about the specs of the Note 4 and Note 4 Pro. He also shows us the actual units as if we are unboxing the mobile phone.

Below is the official press release and the specs comparison between the Note 4 and Note 4 Pro received from the event:

Infinix Mobility Philippines, builders
of cutting-edge
technology and fashionably designed and dynamic mobile devices, announces
the launch of its new Note series smartphone, the ‘Infinix Note 4 and Note 4 Prowith stylus ‘Xpen.’ The latest devices
from Infinix are the most anticipated smartphones yet to be released this year
and it is themed ‘5-minute charge, 250 minutes talk.’

As the Note series remains a
game changer in its product market, Infinix integrated other technology innovation
in the new Note 4 and Note 4 Pro smartphones. They are pre-packed with Xcharge
4.0, which provides the quickest charge with low voltage and high efficiency,
equipped with a big battery life of 4300MAH – 4500MAH. These features allow the
Note 4 to charge fast within five minutes to talk for 250 minutes.

The Infinix Note 4 & Note
4 Pro is also the first Infinix smartphone to be pre-packed with the latest
Android 7.0 OS, infused with the Infinix UI ‘XOS 2.3’. The Note 4 also comes
with other outstanding features such as the Sharp 5.7FHD screen, 13MP AF back
camera with dual color LED Flash, 8MP-mega pixel front camera, Octa-core 1.3GHz
64bits processor, Fingerprint recognition, 2.5 Touch panel, 32GB ROM, with
expandable storage space to 128gb and 3GB RAM both devices are 4G enabled.

Meanwhile, the new Note 4 Pro
also comes with the stylish stylus ‘Xpen’. The Xpen offers great functionality
for Infinix Note users as it allows them to take down notes, create shortcuts,
and also sketch easily on the Xnote using the Xpen.

We have to commend Miss Amy Abarquez, together with her husband and other partners, for successfully

The media presentation held a short program first at the 2nd level of the hotel where they also answered the inquiries of the media. Since the beauty pageant has the word "Tourism" as part of the title for the emerging beauty queen, my question to them was that if they have formed a close working relationship with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) so that all candidates could be well-informed of all prime and even not so popular tourist spots so that all candidates will be knowledgeable not only of the city of province they represent but also of the rest of the country.

There has been so many innovations and initiatives that could very well be helpful for the candidates in finding out more about the Philippines so they could be very good ambassadress of tourism. Since Miss Amy preferred to have an ambassadress who's knowledgeable about tourism, I believe that the candidates would do well if they were given sort of a refresher course at least about the top tourist spots in the country so when they engage with people who ask them about similar topics, they would know what to answer.

Hand-crafted Earthenware or clay pots and jars are mostly used for pottery and decorative ornaments featured in many landscaping displays. Depending on the creators, they could be tough and almost unbreakable even if you slam one down on any flat surface.

Well, that's what the potter did while showing us some of his creations. He just slammed one down the table to show us how unbreakable his works are. But that was just a small pot that fits on the palm of your hand, I'm just not so sure about the bigger pots if they too will be left without any signs of damage. As you would know, the bigger they are, the harder they will "break" or am I just convincing myself that there might be a breaking point to everything.

But who would want to break masterpieces? Of course you'll take good care of them. And as most of them ports are laid down on the ground themselves, these Earthenware pots kiss the Earth making it a harmonious existence.

Our trip to a couple of Pagburnayan Pottery makers was most definitely worth the addition to our travel itinerary. We were in luck because we got to interview two of the elders from the Go clan.

The two visits was with my photographer friends while we covered the Miss Tourism Philippines 2017 candidates tour of Ilocos Sur. The first one was by ourselves during our free time on our first day in Vigan, and the second was with the ladies.

Everything will be revealed.
The truth will be exposed.
You think you know all about it?

This July 29, we'll let you in on our secrets with AdCreate Society’s 6th Annual Advertising Conference – AdX: Full Disclosure.

Join us from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm as we unveil the untapped truths in advertising and insider information from renowned professionals and veterans in the industry. Come dig deeper. Go beyond the deception. Bust myths. Debunk misconceptions. Unmask advertising.

Get the FULL DISCLOSURE experience including all seminars and breakaway sessions for the following prices:

Members – Php 280
Non- Members – Php 300
Door charge – Php 350

Ticket selling will be at Central Plaza from July 17-21 and Yuchengco Lobby from July 24-28.

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Wazzup Pilipinas is a proud media partner of the Philippines. We showcase mostly everything about the Philippines since tourism is not only about tourist spots and attractions. It's more fun in the Philippines not only because of its lovely beaches and magnificent mountains, or the food, tradition and culture, but because of the Filipino people.